I arrived in August '08 and have been living and working in Casablanca since then.
1) Finding a job: I arrived with a job already but I feel that languages especially English, French and Spanish are in demand and you can easily find a job in a language centre. Some of them do not require you to have a teaching certificate, only that you are a native speaker.
2) Transport is a problem in Morocco, so if you don't drive which is my case, be prepared. Buses are few and far between and very crowded. Taxis are difficult to find too, sometimes the taxi driver takes 2 or 3 passengers that are going in the same direction so don't freak out if this happens. You can also stop a taxi even if it has a passenger in it. They will stop for you and take you if you are going the same way.
3) Finding a place to rent. This was difficult because I live with my partner and we are not married. We had to be patient and in the end we found something.
You need to also take into consideration that the Estate Agent charges the tenant a finder's fee. So they usually ask for 1 month in advance, 1 month deposit and 1 month finder's fee for the agent. Check out web pages like: maroc-particulier.com (excuse my French)http://www.maroc-particuliers.com/afficher.php?idcat=1.
There are many others where you can deal directly with the owner which simplifies things.

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Hi
We consider moving to casblanca. We are a family with 2 kids. Do you know anything about international education? Are there specific areas that expats live in? what is the cost of living?
Sorry that I have so many questions, Im very confused....
Thanks for your reply

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The comment about public transport in Morocco is just not true. Buses are plentiful and frequent and there are probably thousands of petite taxis in each city. Like any city at rush hour times they are very crowded.

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I visit Morocco every year for 2 months and I can offer a few tips to make things more smooth. 1. Yes, there may be more than one passenger in a taxi. BUT as you add each person, YOUR fare should be reduced pro rata. It's not unusual at all to have 2 passengers plus driver in front and 4 in back. You would pay for the amount of SIX people if you go alone (I'm talking about big taxis, not petite taxis by the way) and if you are one of the SIX in a full taxi, it's substantially less. 2. Marrakesh was at one time a bargain and it can still be fairly priced, but there has been so much growth there the hotels and souks are taking advantage. You can spend 2 hours bargaining over a single modestly priced item and you can also bargain as well with almost anything including hotels. If you're not successful in the first place, go to another until you can pay the price you feel it's worth. 3. If you are an American getting married in Morocco, LOOK OUT! The complicated red tape is beyond anything one could imagine. Be prepared for a federal police investigation, a local police investigation, many many trips to the notary for advice and help, convincing the judge your marriage is for real, convincing all the support staff around the judge the marriage is real. You will have to meet with the king's delegate at the court and when he asks you about sexual relations, "no, I have not had sexual relations with my fiance". If you are female, when you get your certificate of good health from the doctor, be sure and also get a statement that you are not pregnant. I'm over 60 and had to go back for this. Organize, organize, organize and be prepared for hours of waiting and nothing moves. Be prepared to pay off anyone who is even slightly involved with your marriage papers. You will have at least 4 pounds of papers at the end and multiple multiple red seal stamps on every document. Set the price the notary is going to charge you BEFORE you start this process - we're getting ripped off now for double the price. You need to be patient and expect to do a lot of traveling to hand deliver documents between multiple cities. If they say come back at 2, don't leave - sit there until 2. 4. Moroccans are warm and extremely hospitable. There are man poor poor people and if you have $10 in your pocket, it's $10 more than they have and many times they are hungry. Please try to understand many people are desperate just to feed their family or to buy a tank of gas to heat their home for a very cold night. As Americans, almost none among us can imagine the challenges that face some of the most brillant and loving people on earth. 5. Speaking of love, a Moroccan's family is their everything. Always remember to ask how each one of them are. Always say you pass your greetings on to them. This is so important to them. 6. Be prepared for turkish toilets - the hole in the floor. If you travel outside the big cities, there will be many of them. Be sure and wash your hands well and touch as little as possible. Bring some antibiotic wipes from home to cut down on the risk of inviting in some uninvited germs. 7. If anyone says "I want you to meet my friend" while shopping - run as fast as you can and don't look back. You'll be spending a lot more money. And by the way, money and cards in holder around neck and INSIDE your shirt. 8. CTM is a much more luxurious bus service then the other services. I've ridden with live chickens on the bus - if that doesn't bother you and you like a bargain, then go for it. 9. Everyone will want to invite you home. Be selective. I've taken chances that turned out ok and some that weren't ok. It's better to be friends with someone who knows the person who is inviting you. 10. Don't die until you've visited this magnificent and beautiful country. 40% illiteracy but some of the most intelligent people on the planet. I have many "favorite" parts of Morocco. The roads are dangerous particularly in the high atlas. Drive safely or force the driver to drive safely. The views are astounding. Merzouga and the surrounding area is about being free and feeling the presence of God. The beach cities are busy and wonderful. Try to connect with one family to be your friend and you'll find what the real value of life is if you happen to be a typical American.

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Great tips, everyone! Anyone else have any advice to add? If you got a call from an old friend or colleague who was moving to Morocco, what advice would you give them?

Betsy

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If you have specific questions about life here, what is or isn't available, please send me a pm. I've been here since Oct. and have been learning the hard way, especially since my French is VERY rusty and limited.

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I am an expat in Casablanca and I feel it's a duty to shed some light here.

Ten things?

1) DO NOT COME HERE WITHOUT A JOB...unless you are married to someone who has a d*mn good one!!

2) There are two ways to live here as a foreigner - either as a contracted expat, or not. The difference, of course, is being paid to be here or not.

3) Having a car is (in my opinion) absolutely vital. Taxis here are a joke and busses are horrid - the standard of driving is attrocious. You can expect to be constantly crowded and jostled. May be fun to start off, but the novelty will wear off quickly.

4) English is a 3rd language if you are lucky so without support from a company, expect to struggle a lot as you get to grips with Arabic (not easy btw) and French. Nothing is in English...nothing!! The signs at the airport are the last smattering of English you will see...I assure you!

5) There are no English schools unless you are prepared to pay private school prices. I have two kids and they cost about $10k a year in the American School. The French schools are difficult to get into as well.

6) Accommodation is very expensive if you have dreams of living in a Moroccan villa. Apartment living varies from very plush to very 'un-plush'. You get what you pay for, so you need to understand what you can afford, and also really make sure that you get good advice on areas to live in.

7) Cost of Living is high, especially if you intend on shopping in supermarkets. Having said that though, markets are abundant and affordable.

8) Entertainment in Casablanca is limited to restaurants and nightclubs. There are some really good reastuarants but not cheap. There are no malls in Casablanca.

9) Did I mention that nothing is in English?

10) My final point is this - while my list may appear to be negative and one might ask, 'why on earth are you here?'.....the point is that living here without a decent salary is not pleasant. My family and I love it here, truly love it, but that's because all of the above is within reach and accessible.

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I was relieved after reading #10... lol

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Hi! We are trying to start a Yahoo group for American women living in Morocco. Please join us as we get started and we can give each other support and helpful hints :o)
I will be moving this summer either to Casa or Marrakech depending on my husbands job and the school. So if you would like to joining just search the Yahoo groups for American women living in Morocco. Hope to see you on line!
Dawn

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In Morocco, what is known as a pharmacy in the United States is also referred to as a "pharmacie". Pharmacies are also recognizable by a green cross displayed outside or within the store window. While there are many reliable pharmacies in Morocco, there are also cases where patients have not been dispensed the proper medications or the drugs themselves are of a U.S./Western level quality. The pharmacists themselves are trained professionals with degrees in their field. Similar to the United States, pharmacists cannot distribute prescription medications without authorization from a doctor. Although, some drugs that require a prescription in the United States, including antibiotics, are available without prescription in Morocco. Medications are generally only available at pharmacies.

For more international health and security information, feel free to to email me or visit www.globalcitizeninsurance.com

Regards
Adam
Adam@globalcitizeninsurance.com

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Great!please send me more info on this groupof course I would like to be part of it, I am living in Tangier, and I am bored out of my mind!

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Hi Betsy, here are some new 'tips' for living in Morocco.
NB something written in 2008 states that there is no 'mall' in Casablanca: well there is now; it is full of international brands and always very busy with locals.

Anyway, onto my list:

1: Internet research for anything in Morocco is useless or so out of date, it can be very misleading.
Most businesses here are small and run by families who do not invest in any sort of communication except the spoken word- and that will be likely to be in arabic or possibly french- but NEVER english!
2: Sourcing artisans, builders, furniture, almost anything for the home is therefore extremely time consuming. There is no equivalent to "yellow pages" & very little is available to buy for the home "off the shelf". The first IKEA store in Morocco has just opened in Casablance: it will be very interesting to see how it performs.
3: All moroccans assume that all foreigners are much wealthier than them (probably true) ; this means that prices you will be quoted are at least double those for locals- but are almost always negotiable.
4: Artisans & builders will always confidently assert that they can do whatever you require- even when they can't! Insist on seeing several examples of their work before you commit and NEVER pay the full price upfront.
5: Cash is king: few people will accept credit cards or cheques- even from moroccan banks. This is because most people working do not have to pay incom tax & therefore do not file any accounts.
6: In all building work, it is the CUSTOMER ie you, who sources and buys all of the materials needed for the work. Unskilled builders charge by the day and skilled artisans by the square metre, payable at the end of the week.
7: All of the above means that, if you are undertaking any serious construction work, you must engage a Project Manager you can trust before doing anything else. He will be the lynchpin , so do not try to 'buy cheaply' in this regard.
8: When renting an apartment, check that there is a hot water supply, and a decent shower, also that, if you want one, there is an oven as well as hotplates & that, if you need them, there are plates & cutlery- as none of the above in standard in most moroccan homes.
8: The level of paper based bureaucracy here is frightening - anything from getting the electricity account put into your name, to applying for residency status just cannot be achieved without the help of a local, who speaks arabic.
9: Do not expect ever to be invited into someone's home: this is just not commonly done. People here meet their friends in cafes or talk on the streets in The Medina. The home is a place for the (extended) family only.
10: Understand that in Morocco, generally men & women do not socialise together eg at a party. NO woman will be comfortable at a table where there are unmarried men present.
11: If a woman tells you she is not married, it means she is divorced- almost 100% of people in Morocco get married, but usually via an arrangement made between families. Married women do not generally work outside the home unless they are professionals or widowed/divorced.
12: The majority of men here drink some alcohol- but not in front of their famiies. Many also smoke, but probably again, not in front of their families.
Moroccan women neither smoke or drink and many are uncomfortable at events where alcohol is being served.
13: There is absolutely no social security safety net here, nor pensions, free medical care etc etc. Remember, the person you are dealing with may be supporting 6 or 10 people with his income.

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Hi Betsy, here are some new 'tips' for living in Morocco.
NB something written in 2008 states that there is no 'mall' in Casablanca: well there is now; it is full of international brands and always very busy with locals.

Anyway, onto my list:

1: Internet research for anything in Morocco is useless or so out of date, it can be very misleading.
Most businesses here are small and run by families who do not invest in any sort of communication except the spoken word- and that will be likely to be in arabic or possibly french- but NEVER english!
2: Sourcing artisans, builders, furniture, almost anything for the home is therefore extremely time consuming. There is no equivalent to "yellow pages" & very little is available to buy for the home "off the shelf". The first IKEA store in Morocco has just opened in Casablance: it will be very interesting to see how it performs.
3: All moroccans assume that all foreigners are much wealthier than them (probably true) ; this means that prices you will be quoted are at least double those for locals- but are almost always negotiable.
4: Artisans & builders will always confidently assert that they can do whatever you require- even when they can't! Insist on seeing several examples of their work before you commit and NEVER pay the full price upfront.
5: Cash is king: few people will accept credit cards or cheques- even from moroccan banks. This is because most people working do not have to pay incom tax & therefore do not file any accounts.
6: In all building work, it is the CUSTOMER ie you, who sources and buys all of the materials needed for the work. Unskilled builders charge by the day and skilled artisans by the square metre, payable at the end of the week.
7: All of the above means that, if you are undertaking any serious construction work, you must engage a Project Manager you can trust before doing anything else. He will be the lynchpin , so do not try to 'buy cheaply' in this regard.
8: When renting an apartment, check that there is a hot water supply, and a decent shower, also that, if you want one, there is an oven as well as hotplates & that, if you need them, there are plates & cutlery- as none of the above in standard in most moroccan homes.
8: The level of paper based bureaucracy here is frightening - anything from getting the electricity account put into your name, to applying for residency status just cannot be achieved without the help of a local, who speaks arabic.
9: Do not expect ever to be invited into someone's home: this is just not commonly done. People here meet their friends in cafes or talk on the streets in The Medina. The home is a place for the (extended) family only.
10: Understand that in Morocco, generally men & women do not socialise together eg at a party. NO woman will be comfortable at a table where there are unmarried men present.
11: If a woman tells you she is not married, it means she is divorced- almost 100% of people in Morocco get married, but usually via an arrangement made between families. Married women do not generally work outside the home unless they are professionals or widowed/divorced.
12: The majority of men here drink some alcohol- but not in front of their famiies. Many also smoke, but probably again, not in front of their families.
Moroccan women neither smoke or drink and many are uncomfortable at events where alcohol is being served.
13: There is absolutely no social security safety net here, nor pensions, free medical care etc etc. Remember, the person you are dealing with may be supporting 6 or 10 people with his income.

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00abuse

This is all very biased information Please research before you make these sweeping statements.

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00abuse

Agreed, the bit about Moroccan women not drinking or smoking was particularly amusing.

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00abuse

I wrote my list, having noticed that no-one had written anything since 2009.
My list is based on my own experience living in an exclusively Moroccan community in a Medina.
Maybe instead of writing snide or biased comments, the two people responding to my effort should think about taking the time to contribute their own words of wisdom......

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Hi I'm trying to rent an appartment in Marrakesh and wondered if u knew any good estate agents, where are u living. Loads more questions lol, how did u go on moving things did u bring things from home or buy all new here, have u used a transport company ? Kind regards Bev

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That was very useful

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Very true, any info given is appreciated

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Hi Bev,
Have just realised that, given the disparity between US ways of writing a date & UK, you have only just posted your questions, so I will try to help.
I think the difference between many of the earlier posts show just how different experiences can be based on which Moroccan city you end up living in.
Casablanca, as by far the largest city and the business and industrial powerhouse, has all the advantages & disadvantages that you would find in a city back home ie crowds, pollution, nightmare traffic jams, offset by probably the largest expat community, more cosmopolitan/westernised influences and a wider tange of choices in everything from consumer goods to health care & schools. If you need to be in or near Casablanca, I would recommend your search for places in Mohammedia- it is commutable into the city centre of Casa, but is , in our terms a suburb, with a large choice of schools and house types and, very important, BEACHES!! I was there yesterday & as few places in Morocco have what we would term beautiful public spaces, like lovely parks, I feel beach access would be a great boost for you & your kids ( except in very high summer)
Marrakech is a smaller place with very distinct neighbourhoods, some very wealthy, some poor. There is not really an 'expat community' here as most are here as individuals or business owners. Again, there are very few nice public parks and often schools do not have outside space either- so if you want to ensure you have your own outdoor space, you should look at the area called the Palmerie (expensive) or houses surrounding one of the many golf courses or in the Ourika Valley- many of which have spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains.-again expensive .
Re moving things or buying locally, it is difficult to generalise but artisans here are fantastic and can make beautiful furniture of a quality you could only dream of at home, for a fraction of US prices. On the other hand, IKEA has just opened in Casablanca & whilst not top quality by any means , there is an instantly available choice of household furniture and goods which would be much easier & quicker than shipping everything. I would certainly bring my own clothes, however, to be worn in addition to what was available here!
Regarding house rentals, I would suggest you look at a 'portal ' site, such as www.logic-immo.ma. This is the internet site for a property magazine here which is used by a number of well established and international property agents and may feel like a safer place to start your search- good luck!

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Hi Bev,
Have just realised that, given the disparity between US ways of writing a date & UK, you have only just posted your questions, so I will try to help.
I think the difference between many of the earlier posts show just how different experiences can be based on which Moroccan city you end up living in.
Casablanca, as by far the largest city and the business and industrial powerhouse, has all the advantages & disadvantages that you would find in a city back home ie crowds, pollution, nightmare traffic jams, offset by probably the largest expat community, more cosmopolitan/westernised influences and a wider tange of choices in everything from consumer goods to health care & schools. If you need to be in or near Casablanca, I would recommend your search for places in Mohammedia- it is commutable into the city centre of Casa, but is , in our terms a suburb, with a large choice of schools and house types and, very important, BEACHES!! I was there yesterday & as few places in Morocco have what we would term beautiful public spaces, like lovely parks, I feel beach access would be a great boost for you & your kids ( except in very high summer)
Marrakech is a smaller place with very distinct neighbourhoods, some very wealthy, some poor. There is not really an 'expat community' here as most are here as individuals or business owners. Again, there are very few nice public parks and often schools do not have outside space either- so if you want to ensure you have your own outdoor space, you should look at the area called the Palmerie (expensive) or houses surrounding one of the many golf courses or in the Ourika Valley- many of which have spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains.-again expensive .
Re moving things or buying locally, it is difficult to generalise but artisans here are fantastic and can make beautiful furniture of a quality you could only dream of at home, for a fraction of US prices. On the other hand, IKEA has just opened in Casablanca & whilst not top quality by any means , there is an instantly available choice of household furniture and goods which would be much easier & quicker than shipping everything. I would certainly bring my own clothes, however, to be worn in addition to what was available here!
Regarding house rentals, I would suggest you look at a 'portal ' site, such as www.logic-immo.ma. This is the internet site for a property magazine here which is used by a number of well established and international property agents and may feel like a safer place to start your search- good luck!

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